FRENCH TOWNSHIP, Minn. (KBJR/Gray News) – A campfire explosion Friday night left one man dead and sent several others, including a child, to the hospital with serious burns.
The incident happened at about 8:20 p.m. in French Township, about 20 miles north of Hibbing, according to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office.
When authorities arrived, they learned several families and friends had gathered to celebrate the Labor Day holiday weekend and were preparing to enjoy a campfire when an unknown flammable liquid was used to start the fire.
Authorities reported that caused the flames to explode, leading to burn and inhalation injuries to eight people ranging in age from 14 to over 60.
According to authorities, 53-year-old Marvin Theisen of Hibbing died from injuries.
The 14-year-old girl, from Saginaw, Minnesota, was injured and airlifted to Twin Cities hospital for advanced care.
Several other burn victims, with injuries described as being minor to serious, were taken by ambulance or private vehicle to the hospital.
The incident is still under investigation by the State Fire Marshal’s Office and Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office.
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